GDN, you cannot be serious

This in todays Gulf Daily News. I mean seriously, nothing says confidence and stability like a state in chaos, right? I guess you can't blame them for trying to put a positive spin on things!

Emergency 'may revive business confidence'  

MANAMA: The decision to impose a three-month state of emergency in Bahrain could prove a saviour for the country's business and financial community. Leading businessman, economist and Mashal Group chief executive director Dr Yousef Mashal said that after a month of chaos the declaration of a state of emergency will give peace of mind to both local and international investors.

"The state of emergency is the best thing that could have happened at this time after a month of chaos has brought the economy to a standstill.

"It will also bring more safety to banks and will be good in restoring the reputation of Bahrain that has been shaken by recent events.

"Hopefully this will put Bahrain back on the map as an oasis of peace and harmony."

"Businessmen, both locally and internationally will be watching Bahrain with wider eyes in the coming days to see how this decree will be implemented and how it brings back safety to our roads and streets.

"The economy is based on money and investment and for it to work we must have security."

Prior to the state of emergency yesterday one senior commercial property expert, who asked not to be named, said that unless something was done to deal with the unrest businesses and financial institutions would start leaving Bahrain and heading to Dubai.

"Companies operating across the regional markets are reviewing where they should be and Bahrain is close to losing its credibility.

"Most of the international companies here are in offices with short-term leases and they would have no problems in moving to Dubai to run their regional operations.

"The world is risk averse at the moment and if something does not happen soon Bahrain is going to suffer."

The board of Dutch asset management firm, Robeco yesterday announced that it would be moving its people out of Bahrain.

Robeco Middle East chief executive officer Douglas Hansen-Luke said he hoped the government in Bahrain could unite its people and bring to an end the disturbances. "If we can resolve this situation then Bahrain has the prospect of becoming an even more powerful financial hub of the Middle East." business@gdn.com.bh

GDN Gem #2: Cows overboard

Today's GDN Gem:

"Two cows had to be rescued by the Coastguard after swimming out to sea when they escaped from an abattoir in Sitra. They were spotted about a mile out by sailor Paul Truscott and his wife Janet, who immediately alerted the Coastguard. The Australian cattle escaped from the Bahrain Livestock Company abattoir with 13 others on Saturday after someone apparently left the gate open. The herd of fugitives headed towards the Bahrain Yacht Club, but two broke off at Al Bander and went into the water...Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) which operates at the Bahrain Livestock Company, said the cows returned to the abattoir with 'little stress.'"

Lately, I've been feeling a little out of sorts in Bahrain, so I know a thing or two about the homesickness and longing that led those cows to jump into the sea. Sometimes I feel like diving into the water myself and swimming all the way back home (I would surely be intercepted by border protection - I can just see myself now on an episode of Australia's fave TV show, Border Security).

(Note to my husband - don't worry, I'm fine...I'm not planning to jump off the Saudi causeway or anything. I am simply venting :-P)